Staying Safe - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Staying Safe:

What to Expect When Your Medical Condition Has Been

Reported to PennDOT

Introduction

Your Medical Condition Has Been Reported ... Sorting Through the Feelings and the Facts So... you've received a letter from PennDOT telling you that your medical condition has been reported.

Maybe you knew that such a letter might be coming. Maybe you didn't know, and you are wondering who reported your medical condition to PennDOT, why they would do that, and what happens next.

It's a Matter of Safety ? Yours and Everyone Else's

First, it's important to understand that if this was done, someone with knowledge of your driving or your medical condition is concerned about your safety while driving. Health care providers in Pennsylvania have the legal responsibility to report a patient's medical condition if that condition could impair the patient's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. So medical reporting by a health care provider is not a judgment on you; they're just following the law and doing their job.

Medical reporting is an important part of PennDOT's effort to improve highway safety for everyone. Reporting assists PennDOT in determining whether those applying for a driver's license or those already possessing a driver's license are medically qualified to safely operate a motor vehicle. Without the cooperation of these medical providers, thousands of medically impaired drivers would remain undetected by PennDOT.

In addition to reports from health care providers, police and accident reports on drivers of all ages help PennDOT determine who should be evaluated. Also, PennDOT receives letters from concerned family members and others.

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Second, it's important to understand that receiving this letter doesn't necessarily mean that your driver's license will be taken away. Many drivers who are reported to PennDOT are able to address their medical issues, improve their driving skills or modify their driving habits, and continue on the road.

What it does mean is that PennDOT will be evaluating the report that was made, and may take further steps to learn more about your ability to drive safely.

Finally, you should know that PennDOT's medical evaluation efforts are not exclusively focused on senior citizens. Health care providers must report anyone over the age of 15 that has a medical condition that may impair his/her ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Additionally, each month in Pennsylvania, drivers over the age of 45 are randomly selected before their license is due to renew to undergo a vision and a physical exam by health care providers of their own choice.

You've Been Reported ? What Can You Expect Next?

A report made to PennDOT triggers an evaluation process. PennDOT will review the information it has received and may contact you to obtain further information.

Based on all the information submitted, PennDOT makes the decision to do one of four things:

1. Restrictions on your driving may be added or deleted;

2. Your license may be recalled or restored;

3. You may be requested to provide additional medical information and/or complete a driver's examination; or

4. No action may be taken.

Can You Get Your License Back? Certain medical conditions prevent the safe operation of a motor vehicle. However, in certain instances, these conditions can be corrected or controlled. Once the medical condition is corrected or controlled, it is possible to regain a driver's license or remove a restriction. You will need to contact PennDOT for information about what you need to do to have your license restored. Your doctor should be able to tell you if your condition is temporary or can be controlled or resolved.

You may also appeal the recall or suspension of your driving privilege through the Court of Common Pleas in your county of residence.

Ways You Can Maintain Good Driving Habits or Improve Your Driving

Whatever the status of PennDOT's evaluation of your driving readiness is, it's important to follow up with your physician or other health care professional. Talk with them about your concerns and what your options are for correcting the problems that led to the report being made. Be open to conversations with adult children and friends to discuss your driving and exchange perspectives. With more older drivers on the road, you're not alone in having to make decisions about limiting or stopping driving ? so reach out.

Most of us could improve our driving skills through very simple actions. It is important to always be aware, look ahead and pay extra attention to driving conditions, especially when driving at night, during rush hour and in bad weather. Many older drivers choose to avoid driving in these conditions altogether to reduce their risk. Also, a driver who is tired will have a slower reaction time. Safety belts are a must. Use of cell phones is a major distraction while driving and should only be limited to use during an emergency.

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